Diplacanthus

/ˌdɪpləˈkænθəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of extinct acanthodian fish from the Paleozoic era, about two inches long, with twin spines along its body.

Etymology

From Greek di- (two) + akantha (spine) + -us (genus suffix). Named by paleontologists in the 19th century for its characteristic paired dorsal spines.

Kelly Says

Diplacanthus swam in ancient seas 300 million years ago as a tiny spiky fish—and despite being absolutely tiny, it has one of the coolest scientific names describing its appearance!

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